Commas & Semi-Colons

Front

What is a comma?

Back

A comma is a punctuation mark (,) used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon is a punctuation mark (;) used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, especially when they are not joined by a conjunction.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (like 'because', 'although').

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a coordinating conjunction?

Back

When using a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses, place a comma before the conjunction.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used in a list to separate items, making it clear that each item is distinct.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause.